The National Confederation of Disabled People (ESAMEA) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent surge in violence against disabled individuals, sparked by a brutal assault on a person with a mental disability in Glyka Nera. This incident comes shortly after police officers violently attacked a person with diabetes in Mykonos, highlighting a worrying pattern alongside the state’s failure to offer adequate protection.

In its statement, ESAMEA points out that the recent attack “adds to a series of violent incidents against disabled people across the country, following closely on the heels of the assault on a diabetic person by police in Mykonos.” The organisation also draws attention to numerous cases of sexual violence against women and girls with disabilities – many of which go unreported – along with widespread ableism and discrimination.

“The disability rights movement denounces this wave of violence and the lack of protection and education from the State,” it stresses.

ESAMEA calls on the Ministry of Education to introduce dedicated educational programmes and lessons in schools focused on respect and the rights of disabled people, including those with chronic and rare conditions. The organisation has already submitted a detailed proposal titled “Raising Awareness in the Educational Community about the Rights of Disabled People” to the Ministry.

They also remind that “Greece has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities under Law 4074/2012, including its optional protocol.”

“In a time marked by deep uncertainty and multiple crises, with fundamental rights to life and dignity at risk, the State must protect disabled people and educate society – children, public servants, everyone – to respect this most vulnerable social group: disabled persons, including those with chronic and rare diseases,” ESAMEA emphasises.

The statement concludes firmly:

“We will not tolerate violence against us! We stand up for our rights to life, health, and dignity. We fight for equal rights against violence, ableism, and discrimination!”

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